The Smith and Umunnakwe families announce the peaceful passing of Professor (Dr.) Olanrewaju Smith on Thursday, April 8th, 2021 in Ottawa after 76 years of God directed service and achievements. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Dr. Ifeyironwa Francisca (nee Tagbo) in 2019. Lanre leaves behind his loving daughter Nkiruka Smith-Umunnakwe (Charles Umunnakwe, son-in-law) and son Oluseyi Smith (Jennifer Perrault, daughter-in-law). He has been described by many as kind, wise, a good and constant friend and a worthy pillar to lean on in times of greatest need. He will be deeply missed by his children, children-in-law, grandchildren, his siblings Bisi, Tokunbo, Ayo, his extended family, and a plethora of friends. Due to COVID-19, a private inurnment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). Lanre and Francisca were both passionate about international development, especially within agriculture.
The Smith and Umunnakwe families encourage all who knew Lanre to leave memorial tributes, stories of how you met, were influenced by, or remember Lanre in the digital guestbook below. In lieu of an immediate face to face opportunity to mourn, they will be compiling all of the stories and messages to share with family and friends.
Digital Guestbook
Normand Seguin
Don Damian Kanyi and Family
Uncle our Beloved one May Your Gentle Soul Rest In Perfect Peace
Mina Khenfri
I’m truly sorry for your loss. My deepest and most sincere condolences and may his soul Rest In Peace. May our friendship and prayers ease you through this difficult time.
Mina
Dr Yẹmi Akinbamijo - Executive Secretary (FARA)
So long, farewell: My Mentor goes home
Today I look at my physical self, mentality, philosophical slant, mannerisms and I can tell from whence each of these attributes came.
It was in 1980 as a freshman in the Faculty of Agriculture at the then University of Ife where I first encountered Olanrewaju B Smith as my lecturer. He taught me Animal Physiology. He was an excellent teacher and he inspired me and many others in our quest for excellence. It was his sheer candour in excellence that propelled us to strive in similar orientation. He was to teach a few more courses as I progressed into my final semesters in Ife. He was a great teacher. A good listener and wonderful builder of men. I used to say this of Lanre Smith – even if he would grade your performance as an ‘F’, you would leave his office knowing that you are well worth an ‘A – Grade’ in life. The first practical lessons at rumen canulation and surgical processes of fistulated animals were under his tutelage. How can I ever forget his great heart of a teacher?
In my graduate school days, Ola Smith had become the Head of Department of Animal Science. The thesis I defended in his office following the external examination by Prof Akinsoyinu of the University of Ibadan is another testimony of the great legacy that Ola has left me with. The thesis itself was a fantastic learning curve for me as it was co-supervised by late Prof Dick Zwart of the Wageningen Agricultural University, the Netherlands (Courtesy of the West African Dwarf Goat Project). He chaired the oral examination process fair and square. He cheered me on as I successfully approached the finishing line!
Later in life, post PhD, I was a young scientist at the International Trypanotolerance Centre, Banjul, The Gambia. He had moved on to be the head of the IDRC West Africa Office in Dakar. Apart from several professional encounters, spending time in his home at the Corniche and most rewarding was the co-authorship of the book ‘Crop-Livestock Integration in West African Cities’. Ola Smith gave a professional lifeline when he made me an IDRC grantee for a period of about 6 years where the high point of my research was Crossbred cows, and raising livelihoods of women in urban horticulture in The Gambia and Senegal. That work was to be upscaled into Sierra Leone and the Guineas.
Later in life, by sheer providence, I became the Chairman Board of Governors of the International Trypanotolerance Centre. His expertise came in handy to guide the institutional reform and its transition into the West African Livestock and Innovation Centre (WALIC). He left us a lasting legacy in Banjul.
Ultimately, the day came out there in Ottawa. He breathed his last. I doff my hat one more time as my great teacher bows out to our closing glee. He passed in the week of resurrection – no cause for sorrow, he is alive with God forever! Rest on Professor Olanrewaju Babatunde Smith.
Tolu Oluwole
Igi da!!!
I am very saddened to hear about the passing of Professor Lanre Smith. He was a gentle, thoughtful, kind and generous man. A devoted husband and father and grandfather.
How I wish you had stayed a little longer to watch your grandchildren grow up to know you and enjoy your nurturing. My condolences go out to Nki, Seyi and the rest of the Smith family and friends.
Rest In Peace.
Tolu Oluwole
Jerry Onyegbula
Dr.Smith was a real gentleman and a family friend. May his path be bright and rosy and may the Grace of the Almighty Father be with him on his journey home.
Jayne Jackden
What?!
John and Jan Perrault
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family
Janet Jackden
Have known the Smith family since the 90’s. We were never close but the pride I felt from the amazing work Aunty and Uncle committed themselves too- on an international scale- it takes special people whthat have been called. I never thought I would be saying this but R.I.P- this is u believable
Florence
I used to call him "Papa" as he looked like my dad. A quiet, always smiley and meek man. I'll be missing my Canadian Papa.
Nki and Seyi, i was so chocked by the loss of your mother 2 years ago and i am sad for your father now. All my love ❤️. You are lucky to have such great parents. I keep a lovely memory.